First year final review at USC School of Architecture. Photo: Amelia Taylor-Hochberg. From 1st year goals and final crit anxieties: a few words from USC Architecture students

One of our most popular questions in the Archinect Discussion Forum is how to choose between architecture degree programs. Some students might already be accepted to multiple programs and are uncertain which to choose while others may have yet to apply and are unsure of which to pursue. The question is usually along the lines of, “which school is better?” or, “which school should I go to?” and even sometimes, “can someone give me insight into these programs?” 

It’s a tough position, and candidates want to make the right decision for their future, so they turn to the Archinect community for guidance only to be met with conflicting opinions or harsh feedback. When it comes to this crossroad, one that will influence the trajectory of the next 2 to 5 years of your life, turning to strangers isn’t always the best idea. In this article I hope to provide prospective students with some essential techniques in making a good decision about which school to attend and how to decide between different options.

Pursuing an education in architecture starts with an intention to build some kind of future within the architectural space. For most, that will mean becoming a licensed architect, but others may desire a more unconventional path. Those holding degrees in architecture have branched out to many other fields including construction management, real estate development, product design, writing, fashion, and game design are just a few. When looking at schools, your first step will be to consider what kind of future you want in architecture. What are your end goals?

That’ll make a big difference. If you’re in the USA and you want to become licensed, you’ll want to look for a NAAB accredited degree. This can help rule out certain programs that don’t offer accredited programs. Some schools offer 4-year unaccredited “pre-professional” undergraduate programs that can be followed by a 2-year NAAB accredited Masters program. This might prove attractive to students who are interested in teaching. But, keep in mind that if you want to work in a firm, most will want to see a NAAB accredited program on your resume.

If you’re in the USA and you want to become licensed, you’ll want to look for a NAAB accredited degree.

Say you’re more interested in architectural theory and history, or even something like urban planning, you'd have more flexibility in terms of accreditation requirements. It would be the same if you were interested in pursuing construction management or even something like computer science. Your path will change depending on your end goals. If you aren’t sure what you want to do within architecture, I’d recommend going for an accredited program. This will give you more options after graduation.

What are your constraints?

Most people will have some kind of constraints to consider. The most common constraints are typically location and finances. In light of your constraints, what school offers the best “deal?” When I was applying to architecture schools I only looked at those that were NAAB accredited and offered me the most free money (scholarships and grants). I also had to stay in Los Angeles, which made it a lot easier to narrow my search. Your constraints will be different than mine, but be sure to have some in mind. If you have complete freedom, then create some parameters for yourself. 

For some people, it’s important to attend an Ivy League school, which can be a constraint. Others may want to work at a specific firm or be close to a certain group of architects. Which schools will heighten your chances of getting into those circles? You can look into who the professors at a school are or the dean currently heading the program. Often, building relationships with faculty can lead to internships or job opportunities in the long run. Consider what’s important to you and pursue schools that best meet your criteria

Success comes from you, not the school

While rankings are a great way to gauge the value a school might offer you, it’s not an indicator of guaranteed success, that’s going to be up to you. You can go to a top ranked school, but if you don’t put in the work, it won’t matter. And you can go to a school that isn’t even on the list and have a wildly successful career, it will all depend on your devotion, creativity, and willingness to learn and grow. However, don’t cast rankings aside, just take them with a grain of salt, they aren’t everything. A good strategy is to investigate the methodology behind a rankings list. For example, DesignIntelligence bases its rankings off of research from a variety of sources including hiring professionals, architecture students, and faculty. In one of their studies they ask a pool of hiring professionals which schools they hire from most. That would be good information for someone particularly focused on their marketability after school. In this way, the ranking becomes one characteristic among many others. It is not an end all be all.

...students with good character and work ethic are going to stand out. It’s your character that will contribute to your success in the long run.

It’s critical not to fall into thinking that a school is going to “make” you into something that you aren’t. Rather, a school is a place that can facilitate your growth and progress, but you have to be teachable, put in hard work, and stay committed when things get difficult. If you have those qualities you will do well in almost any setting. Remember: every school has a network and as a student, you will be connected to it. Alumni tend to be drawn to their alma mater and when they’re ready to hire, students with good character and work ethic are going to stand out. It’s your character that will contribute to your success in the long run. For those interested in an academic path, what school you attend starts to come more into play. Like we’ve said before, your strategy and path will depend on your goals. 

You need to do the research

A sure way not to get a good response in the Archinect Discussion Forum is to post a general question asking for insight on an architecture program. Those kind enough to respond to you are likely going to tell you to do your research. They are right. Selecting a college takes work and you’ll need to get online and investigate the school’s website, request information from them, get on the phone with a counselor, talk to current and past students, check out the student work, or even go to a thesis review to get a sense of the culture. This is your future and it’s important that you take the steps to find out everything you need to know about a school in your journey to admission.

Students who do this rarely have a question of where they “should” go because they know exactly which place feels like the best fit. If you’re starting off your academic path asking strangers to do the investigative work for you, the future probably won’t be so bright. I don’t say that to be harsh, but it's a crucial point. You want to do everything in your power to learn as much as you can so that you can make the best decision. Trust me, when you do this, the choice will be a lot easier.

You’re not alone

This stage in your life is an exciting one. Researching schools of architecture is quite fun and you open yourself up to a whole new world of possibilities. It’s vital to do your own leg work in this regard, but you also have an entire community of professionals, students, and academics who are eager to help you along the way. When you’re seeking help, especially on our forum, the more specific you are, the better answers you’ll get. For instance, instead of asking which school you should attend, you should ask which school best helps you secure a job after school. Or, if you have to decide between two undergraduate programs and you know you want to pursue a graduate degree at a specific university, you might ask which of the two programs could better position you to get into the graduate program.

...in the end, you are the one who will have to make the final decision, no one can decide your future for you.

It’s a great idea to pull from the knowledge of others, you just have to help them help you. When you have specific information about a program from your research, you will naturally ask specific questions, and as a result, you will receive more specific answers. But remember, and this is crucial: very few people are able to provide you with objective feedback on what school you should attend, because they are likely to only have experience with the schools they have been associated with. Your feedback will almost always be anecdotal or hearsay, and that's okay, it's just important to have in mind.

Ultimately, it is only you, as the applicant, who will know what the best match is. You are the one who will have to make the final decision, no one can decide your future for you. It’s in your hands. Rest assured, if you are devoted, hard working, and eager to learn, you are going to be okay.